Counter rotation subsurface current generator

ABSTRACT

An invention for capturing and converting the hydro kinetic energy in ocean and tidal currents into mechanical energy for generating electricity. An internal turbine enclosed in a external turbine cylinder rotates opposite of internal turbine. Current is compressed into high pressure within internal turbine, the high pressure is vented into the rear low pressure side of external turbine producing additional energy. The internal and external turbines are enclosed in a cowling to maximize current through both counter rotating turbines. Permanent magnet rings are coupled to both turbine tips that rotate peripheral to stators. The cowling and turbines are balanced around the main center shaft, it is finned at the rear to steer the apparatus into the current. Counter rotation produces a neutral output torque with increased energy output that is transmitted via underwater cable to onshore grid.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the generation of mechanical power from the renewable power in ocean, tidal and wind currents. It's concept can produce renewable energy in favorable regions where ocean thermal currents flow close to land regions (i.e. the Florida Straits) that would benefit from this untapped resource of energy.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

There is an increasing need for greater amounts of electrical power, and an increasing concern to minimize pollution of the environment caused by generating electrical power from carbon emitting power stations. Consequently, inventions have been devised for harvesting power from tidal and ocean current. The estimated total worldwide power in ocean currents has been estimated to be about 5,000 GW, with power density up to 75 kW/m2, at deep depths.

The present invention addresses the difficulty in extracting usable portions of this slow moving high-density power in an economical achievable way. This invention is large 5-30 meters in diameter, and operates simple and maintenance free underwater to depths of 200 meters for long periods of service. To work at such depths is difficult to seal and prevent high pressure water from entering the gearbox and generator, resulting in significant kinetic power loss with foreseeable maintenance issues caused from high external pressure of outside water. This invention utilizes constructing the rotor magnetic rings and stators conductors in a series of groups within an open flow generator, this eliminates the need of a sealed gear box and generator, furthermore, this invention affords the generator to stand alone without need of an outside power to induce current for exciter in the event the generator should stall or the current stops, whereto, the current flow powers rotation moving the magnet rings that starts generating electrical energy.

U.S. Pat. No. 868,798, issued on Oct. 22, 1907, to Robert McLaughlin, discloses a means for obtaining power from flowing water, including a screw propeller and a dynamo.

The instant invention is distinguishable in that it has two counter rotating turbines.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,123,491, issued on Jan. 5, 1915, to Elbert A. Corbin, discloses a power conversion plant for converting the energy in water currents into electricity, including a screw and generator. The instant invention is distinguishable in that the counter rotating turbines are coupled to the blade tips, that rotate across stator conductors in the open current.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,730,631, issued on Jan. 10, 1956, to Juliana S. Dandini, discloses a water current-driven motor including a generator.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,209,156, issued on Sep. 28, 1965, to Arthur D. Struble, Jr., discloses an impeller driven underwater generator for converting the force of subsurface water currents into electrical energy. The instant invention is distinguishable in that it operates freely anchored in the current and that counter rotation allows for a neutral output torque value that prevent the unit from rotating or turning in the current.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,604,942, issued on Sep. 14, 1971, to Curtis A. Nelson, discloses an underwater generator, having radially extending-arms, each arm pivotally carrying a paddle that can both open and close against water current.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,912,937, issued on Oct. 14, 1975, to Jerome M. Lesser, discloses a submarine electrical energy generating apparatus, having a screw with pivoting louvers. The instant invention is distinguishable from above prior inventions: in that it counter rotates inner and outer screws with fixed magnets, between fixed stator conductors and windings within the apparatus itself.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,928,771, issued on Dec. 23, 1975, to O. Robert Straumsnes, discloses a water current power generator system, including a ship anchored to the bottom, having an inlet and an outlet for water.

The instant invention is distinguishable, in that it does not require the constant presence of a ship to generate electricity operating independently.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,026,587, issued on May 31, 1977, to Robert H. Hultman and Dennis C. Hultman, discloses an underwater screw operated by ocean currents with propeller blades outside a housing and a generator inside the housing, The instant invention is distinguishable in that permanent magnets and magnetic coils fixed to counter rotating screw tips generate higher levels of voltage and current in the ocean element, not requiring a generator inside a housing.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,256,970, issued on Mar. 17, 1981, to Osvaldo Tomassini, discloses an apparatus for the exploitation of underwater currents for the production of electrical energy, in which a water driven rotor turns when current flows, causing gears to turn, that cause a shaft in a generator to turn. The instant invention is distinguishable in that it requires no gears to turn a shaft in a generator.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,306,157, issued on Dec. 15, 1981, to Lazar J. Wracsaricht, discloses an underwater slow current turbo generator, having blades extending from a shaft in a spiral pattern, with a cylindrical housing surrounding the blades. The generator may be near and around the shaft, or alternatively in the cylindrical housing (column 7, lines 24-26). The instant invention is distinguishable in that magnet rings are coupled to the counter rotating turbine blades generating emf through the stators, both rotors and stators are built within the apparatus as a generator.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,335,319, issued on Jun. 15, 1982, to John H. Mettersheimer, Jr., discloses a hydroelectric power apparatus utilizing ocean currents, with a power house and crew housing at the surface. The instant invention is distinguishable in that it is self automated and regulated from any surface support vessel.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,464,080, issued on Aug. 7, 1984, to Alexander M. Gorlov, discloses a high volume tidal or current flow harnessing system, including a dam. This is not required in the instant invention.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,520,273, issued on May 28, 1985, to Raymond A. Rowe, discloses a fluid responsive rotor generator, that can be placed on the bottom of the ocean to generate electricity from current flow. Magnets may be placed on the rotor blades, or the blades may themselves be magnetized. Wires are mounted on the framework about the rotor, so that electricity will be generated when the rotor turns. The instant invention is distinguishable, in that the magnetic ring is coupled to turbine blades and bases—turning opposite rotation—peripheral in line to stator conductors and windings at center shaft, mid stator and exterior stator within the exterior cowling that maximizes flow through both counter rotating turbines significantly multiplying energy output.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,524,285, issued on Jun. 18, 1985, to Hans G. Rauch, discloses a hydro-current energy converter, which can be mounted on a platform resting on the sea bed, to generate electricity from ocean currents. A current-driven rotor turns a shaft that turns a generator. The instant invention is distinguishable, in that it counter rotates resulting in a neutral torque value so that the apparatus can be anchored in deep water (600 fathoms) and work in the current generating electricity from the generator within the apparatus.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,720,640, issued on Jan. 19, 1988, to Bjorn M. S. Anderson and Reinhold H. Ziegler, discloses a fluid powered electrical generator, with an impellor-rotor having blades connected at their outward ends by a ring containing the rotor element of a generator, surrounded by a ring-shaped (toroidal) outside support structure containing the stator element of a generator.

The instant invention is distinguishable, in that it counter rotates two internal turbines with rotor magnetic rings (elements) around three stator conductors at: center shaft stator, mid dual stator and, exterior stator enclosed in cowling.

REPRESENTATIONS TO THE CLAIMS

The present invention is an apparatus and method for producing municipally significant quantities of electrical energy from ocean currents without the construction and maintenance challenges found in other designs. In the preferred embodiments, two large-diameter turbines or propellors that resemble auger screws, the inner turbine with magnet rings set within the internal cone rotate a magnetic B field through a stator fixed around the main center shaft. The inner turbine has another magnet ring coupled to the exterior turbine blade tips that move the rotating magnetic B field across the inside of mid stator conductor. Fixed at the base of the external cylinder is a magnet ring outside the mid stator that rotates opposite of the inside magnet ring. This combination configures two magnet rings rotating across the mid dual stator, one inside and, one outside. Last, coupled at the exterior turbine tip blades is another (the largest area and distance) magnet ring rotating around the stator fixed in cowling. All stators are in line opposite to the rotor magnet rings that form groups of generators.

The first preferred embodiment of the invention uses two counter rotating turbines coupled with permanent magnet rings rotating across four stator conductor surfaces. ONE at center shaft (smallest but rotating the fastest). TWO, inside of mid stator, THREE, outside of mid stator. FOUR, the (largest area of diameter and distance long for both rotor and stator) is the exterior magnet ring coupled to the blade tips of exterior turbine rotating the magnet rings across the large distance of stator conductor.

This combination of three generators wound and connected in series in groups steps up voltage for easy transmission of electric current as a single line high voltage direct current via underwater cable to land.

It is another object of the invention to maximize the amount of electricity generated from ocean currents, by generating electricity as directly as possible underwater without seals that create drag and kinetic energy loss from flowing currents.

It is another object of the invention to eliminate several categories of maintenance problems, thus reducing service cost and increasing the reliability of the generator. As a positive buoyant apparatus controlled by internal micro pressure switches that regulate raising and submerging allows the apparatus to be towed to current farm sites, ballast and submerged to optimum depth where current is strongest in flow and density. As current increases there is increased drag on the apparatus to push it deeper, by monitoring and controlling outside pressure keeps apparatus at ideal depth for optimum power production. The apparatus is a propulsion system controlling compressed high and low pressure volumes through internal regulation ports, and internal monitoring or speed and depth pressure to produce maximum conversion of hydro kinetic energy into mechanical energy for production of electricity.

It is a further object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes. All claims and drawings are in the invention name of Counter Rotation Sub Surface Current Generator, in amended; specifications, claims, drawings, representations from prior provisional and non provisional applications.

Claims, description and other objects of the present invention will become understandable upon further review of the following specifications and drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is a method and apparatus for capturing and converting the kinetic energy from flowing currents and producing mechanical energy for production electricity, the invention is, but not limited to a 1:2 (diameter to length ratio) having two counter rotation turbine's (1) and (2) rotating within cowling (17) that maximizes current through turbines, wherein, the interior turbine compresses ocean current into a higher pressure that is released into the low pressure area of exterior turbine (1) generating additional draft and mechanical power to increase electrical energy output.

FIG. 1 Front End View

EXTERIOR TURBINE (1) from the FRONT extends longitudinally to the REAR with blade pitch 120 degrees to the RIGHT (CLOCKWISE ROTATION). INTERIOR TURBINE (2) from the FRONT extends longitudinally to the REAR with turbine blade pitch 120 degrees to the LEFT (COUNTER CLOCKWISE ROTATION). CENTER CONE (15) from the FRONT tapers to the larger diameter at the REAR. EXTERNAL COWLING (17) maximizes current speed to both counter rotating TURBINES.

MAGNET RING (3) is coupled to the tips of EXT TURBINE (1).

MAGNET RING (4) is set into base of EXT CYLINDER TURBINE (1).

MAGNET RING (5) is coupled to the tips of INT. TURBINE (2).

MAGNET RING (6) is set at base of INT. CONE (15).

STATOR EXT (7) is sandwiched between sections of EXT COWLING (17).

STATOR MID (8) is set by BALANCE STRUTS (11) FRONT and REAR.

STATOR CENTER (9) is set around the CENTER SHAFT (13).

FRONT and REAR BALANCE STRUTS (10), CENTER EXTERIOR TURBINE (1), and EXTERNAL COWLING (17) around CENTER SHAFT (13).

SWITCH GEAR, BATTERY and'COMPRESSOR COMPARTMENT (12) is a component that attaches to upper half of apparatus.

CENTER SHAFT (13), centers the apparatus.

BALLAST TUBES (14) are part of COMPARTMENT (12) that attaches to upper half of apparatus.

INTERIOR CONE (15) tapers from SMALL at FRONT to LARGE at REAR, this cone compressors water three quarters to the REAR, and is vented into the EXT CYLINDER TURBINE (1) via REGULATION PORTS (18).

FRONT and REAR BEARINGS (16) couple to FRONT and REAR STRUTS (10).

EXTERIOR COWLING (17) maximizes current flow through TURBINES, and sandwiches STATOR laminations in sections peripheral to rotor magnet rings of groups.

REGULATION PORTS (18) release compressed high pressure water from INTERIOR TURBINE (1), into EXTERIOR TURBINE (2) low pressure area generating additional power.

INJECTION/RELIEF PORTS FRONT and REAR (19) FRONT port injects current flow into EXTERIOR TURBINE (1), REAR relief port exhausts pressure from EXTERIOR TURBINE (1) area.

FIG. 2 Top View

MAGNET RING (3) is coupled to the tips of EXT TURBINE (1).

MAGNET RING (4) is set into base of EXT CYLINDER TURBINE (1).

MAGNET RING (5) is coupled to the tips of INT. TURBINE (2).

MAGNET RING (6) is set at base of INT. CONE (15).

STATOR EXT (7) is sandwiched between sections of EXT COWLING (17).

STATOR MID (8) is set by BALANCE STRUTS (11) FRONT and REAR.

STATOR CENTER (9) is set around the CENTER SHAFT (13).

FRONT and REAR BALANCE STRUTS (10), CENTER EXTERIOR TURBINE (1), and EXTERNAL COWLING (17) around CENTER SHAFT (13).

SWITCH GEAR, BATTERY and COMPRESSOR COMPARTMENT (12) is a component that attaches to upper half of apparatus.

CENTER SHAFT (13), centers the apparatus.

BALLAST TUBES (14) are part of COMPARTMENT (12) that attaches to upper half of apparatus.

INTERIOR CONE (15) tapers from SMALL at FRONT to LARGE at REAR, this cone compressors water three quarters to the REAR, and is vented into the EXT CYLINDER TURBINE (1), via REGULATION PORTS (18).

FRONT and REAR BEARINGS (16) couple to FRONT & REAR STRUTS (10).

FIG. 3 Slant View

MAGNET RING (3) is coupled to the tips of EXT TURBINE (1).

MAGNET RING (4) is set into base of EXT CYLINDER TURBINE (1).

MAGNET RING (5) is coupled to the tips of INT. TURBINE (2).

MAGNET RING (6) is set at base of INT. CONE (15).

STATOR EXT (7) is sandwiched between sections of EXT COWLING (17).

STATOR MID (8) is set by BALANCE STRUTS (11) FRONT and REAR.

STATOR CENTER (9) is set around the CENTER SHAFT (13).

SWITCH GEAR, BATTERY and COMPRESSOR COMPARTMENT (12) is a component that attaches to upper half of apparatus.

BALLAST TUBES (14) are part of COMPARTMENT (12) that attaches to top.

INTERIOR CONE (15) tapers from SMALL at FRONT to LARGE at REAR, this cone compressors water three quarters to the REAR, and is vented into the EXT CYLINDER TURBINE (1) via REGULATION PORTS (18).

It is to be understood the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the design claim. 

1. The apparatus is an invention that generates clean energy from free flowing ocean currents. It has two turbines shrouded in an external cowling, interior turbine and exterior turbine have opposite pitched blades fabricated onto the interior turbine cone that tapers from small at front to larger at rear, and is enclosed in the exterior cylinder. The external turbine blades are fabricated onto the external side of cylinder that extend outward to the external cowling. The interior turbine rotates freely in one direction around the center shaft, and the external turbine cylinder is strut braced front and rear on bearings and, rotates freely in the opposite direction around the center shaft. The external cowling (shroud) is strut braced front and rear, centered and set around the center shaft. The current flow is maximized as it flows through the cowling, and rotates both turbines in counter rotation (opposite) directions.
 2. The apparatus for generating power from the current according to claim 1, wherein: counter rotation of turbines produces a neutral output torque from the kinetic energy in current allowing the apparatus to be anchored in deep water and tether freely in the current.
 3. The apparatus for generating increased power from ocean currents according to claim 2, wherein: neutral output torque from current flow is compressed into high pressure within interior turbine from the tapered cone. As the flow begins to restrict within the enclosed external cylinder it compounds pressure, this pressure is vented through regulation ports towards the rear of the external cylinder into the low pressure area of the external turbine, increasing draft and propulsion converted into mechanical energy used to generate additional electrical energy.
 4. The apparatus for generating electrical power from ocean currents according to claim 3, wherein: The compressed high pressure from internal turbine to external turbine area creates the Bernoulli effect that increases the cube to power relationship between the velocity of the working medium for additional power. This increased power is transferred to the external turbine cylinder and blade tips that are coupled with rotating permanent magnet rings moving across large areas of stator surface conductor, where the increase of Electra Magnetic Flux (EMF) is generated into the stator windings producing higher levels of electrical energy output.
 5. The apparatus for generating electrical power from ocean currents according to claim 4, wherein: rotating permanent magnet rings built into the apparatus rotating around center shaft stator, mid dual stator, and exterior cowling stator eliminates a sealed open contact generator working underwater with exterior pressures of 150 psi, results in a simple water cooled, automated/regulated generator system.
 6. The apparatus for generating electrical power from ocean currents according to claim 5, wherein: attached to the exterior cowling is compartment component that houses: ballast tubes, switch gear, batteries, and oxygen compressor that automatically regulates system output and ballast for submerging and raising. The apparatus is positive buoyant and can be floated for towing to and from offshore current farms for placement or service. The system workings will become clear in the abstract and drawings. 